Blockbuster
Obsessed with the practical effects of classic cinema, an amateur director decides to orchestrate a real building explosion for his next film.
Interview with Writer/Director Rafael Toledo
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Blockbuster wasn’t just the title for the story but a mentality we had for the whole project. The idea was to prove to ourselves that we could, with a very limited budget, make a movie just like the ones we watch at the theater (with our own spin on it).
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
We tried to make a unique story out of overused tropes. I think movie lovers will get a blast from seeing some familiar scenarios in a different type of story.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
In a way, we are making fun of film directors, but I think we also showing a very universal side of human nature. This ability to get caught in your own little world, with very little thought on how what you do can affect others.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I always wanted to play around with the concept of a psychotic film director. Writers and directors often draw inspiration from real life to add realism to their films.
So, what about a director who cuts out the middleman and uses real life as a playground for his films? That concept formed the basis for what the movie eventually became.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
People love the main character, Abel. And for me, that's no surprise. Luiz Gomide Walther is an incredible performer. He is an actor, singer, ballet dancer and the soul of the film.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The premiere is on January 19 at Slamdance Film Festival so that's the first time I'll watch it with an audience. The energy at a movie theater is always the ultimate test for a film, so I hope to learn a lot from that!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope that this interview marks the starting point of a series of events leading to us winning an Oscar. But on a more grounded level? I really like how this film turned out and I want more people to hear about it.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Film Festival Directors, journalists and distributors would all be great. We want people to watch Blockbuster and I think these contacts can help us cover all bases.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
More than anything I want people to have a fun viewing experience.
One of my favorite parts of watching films is discussing it after the end, crafting theories and talking about the characters. So I would love to create this atmosphere for people leaving the theater.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How we shot the tomato sauce scene is for sure the one we get the most. But I'll leave this one open for speculation.
Would you like to add anything else?
This will be my first time visiting the United States as a film director, so I hope to meet you all at Slamdance for the movie premiere.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'm currently working on writing and producing my first feature film. Let's hope this is not the only blockbuster in my near future!
Interview: January 2024
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Blockbuster
Obsessed with the practical effects of classic cinema, an amateur director decides to orchestrate a real building explosion for his next film.
Length: 10:04
Director: Rafael Toledo
Producer: Vitor Acacio
Writer: Rafael Toledo
About the writer, director and producer:
RAFAEL TOLEDO is a 29-year-old director and writer from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. He started his career in theater school, which instilled in him an actor-centric approach to filmmaking. His first film Cemitério de Flores is a fantasy horror story, and his second film is Blockbuster a neo-noir comedy.
VITOR ACACIO started his work with production shooting advertisements in Belo Horizonte, from there he quickly moved to films, working alongside his frequent collaborator, Rafael Toledo.
Key cast: Luiz Gomide Walther(Abel)
Looking for: film festival directors, sales agents, journalists, distributors
Instagram: @toledollar_
Other: IMDb
Funders: Self-funded
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Slamdance Film Festival/ Park City The Yarrow - Theater A - Fri, Jan 19th, 12:45 PM
Slamdance Film Festival/ Park City The Yarrow - Thu, Jan 25th, 10:00 AM